EFI Colorproof XF Again Ranks in Highest Category at IPA Color Proofing RoundUP, Stands Out in Integration, Adherence to Standards, and Ease of Use

FOSTER CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE) EFI (Nasdaq:EFII), the world leader in digital controllers, superwide format printers and inks, and print management solutions, today announced that Colorproof(TM) XF Version 3.0, EFI’s industry-acclaimed, scalable and versatile client/server-based proofing solution driven by Bestcolor(R) Technology, for the second consecutive year, ranked in the highest category at the IPA Color Proofing RoundUP (fourth annual, Chicago, June 6-8). Colorproof XF delivered an exceedingly strong performance among the more than 30 participating proofing solutions, many of which are priced at three times the cost. In the end, for the first time ever, RoundUP judges concluded that differentiation comes from connectivity, workflow, adherence to standards, and ease of use. Colorproof XF delivers on all counts.

The IPA, a community of professionals within the premedia, creative, corporate, print publishing, packaging and in-plant environments, organizes the Color Proofing RoundUP to review the options and abilities of today’s color proofing products. Colorproof XF performed in the top “Acceptable to Excellent” level in Delta E and the areas of Spot Color Visual Judging — Multi-Color Proof, Spot Color Solid and Tints, and as Abhay Sharma, judging member of the IPA Board and chair, Ryerson University School of Graphic Communications Management, said, “Achieving low Delta E values is no longer an issue for proofing technology today. Now it is more about workflow and ease of use.” The judges’ consensus, as presented by Dr. Sharma in the IPA Conference concluding session, is that collectively inkjet systems have greatly advanced and customers should heavily weigh and evaluate these other elements beyond the inkjet system itself. In that regard, EFI Colorproof XF greatly outperforms competitors.

Alonzo Printing Co., Inc., a premier printing company in the Bay Area, recently added Colorproof XF to their hybrid environment, further benefiting from the integration of EFI solutions. Regarding his use of EFI solutions, Jim Duffy, Alonzo’s president/owner, said “When we evaluated proofing systems, we quickly realized that anything other than Colorproof XF gave us a ‘proofing island,’ requiring needless extra cycles and time we cannot afford. We needed a solution that would readily integrate into our workflow and show us immediate value. Colorproof XF is another reason Alonzo has come to rely on EFI for a depth of innovative products and services. EFI has been a true partner, consistently contributing to the success of my business.” For on-demand digital printing, Alonzo Printing deploys Colorproof XF integrated with Fiery-driven Canon engines, EFI Hagen OA, Printer Site Internal and Printer Site Exchange.

Designed for print and prepress professionals, publishers, and creatives, Colorproof XF Version 3.0 includes a new output option for gravure printers, a new production option for wide format production environments and the Fiery Option, fully integrating Fiery controller technology, which is used by more than 14 million customers worldwide. The Fiery Option enables these customers to deploy ColorProof XF to proof on an inkjet printer and then seamlessly utilize their Fiery for color management and workflow on a production laser-based printing system. Further, EFI’s recently announced collaborations with leading native pre-press workflow providers, including Agfa, Artwork Systems, Presstek, Rampage and Screen, ensures customers’ success as they migrate to an offset/digital hybrid environment. EFI’s compliance with GRACoL, CGATS, ICC, JDF, PDF, PPML and other open standards, and EFI’s collaborations with partners, means that Colorproof XF easily, seamlessly integrates into customers’ overall print shop operations, including offset/digital hybrid environments.

“Our strong performance at 2006 Color Proofing RoundUP is an industry affirmation for Colorproof XF,” said Stefan Spiegel, general manager, EFI Graphic Arts Solutions. “But we are even more proud of the accolades we receive from our customers, like Alonzo, as they experience the strong impact of Colorproof XF integrated into their overall workflow to enable greater business success.”

With EFI solutions customers are empowered with a more accurate, more efficient production workflow — from capturing the designer’s original design intent to real-time estimating, accounting and billing, to proofing and producing brilliant digital output with Fiery-driven high quality print engines. Colorproof XF features inherent connectivity to Fiery, Digital StoreFront for job submission over the web, and with EFI Print MIS solutions for optimal print shop management.

Availability

EFI Colorproof XF is available today from certified EFI dealers and distributors worldwide. See www.efi.com/products/prepress/proofing/colorproof-xf for more information. More information on the Color Proofing RoundUP is available at www.ipa.org.

About IPA

For more than 100 years, IPA, the Association of Graphic Solutions Providers, has been tracking, evaluating, and promoting technology and management innovations to keep members in the forefront of the graphic communication industry. IPA membership includes the most forward thinking, digitally competent graphic solutions providers in North America. They are pioneers in exploring emerging technologies and specialize in serving the publishing, advertising, catalog, interactive multimedia and packaging markets. They are leaders in applying those technologies to new digital workflows and processes and excel in building profitable business models to expand their businesses. More information about IPA is available at www.ipa.org or at (800) 255-8141.

About EFI

EFI (www.efi.com) is the world leader in digital controllers, superwide format printers and inks, and commercial and enterprise print management solutions. EFI’s award-winning solutions, integrated from creation to print, deliver increased performance, cost savings and productivity. The company’s robust product portfolio includes Fiery(R) color print servers; superwide digital inkjet printers, UV and solvent inks; print production workflow and management information software; and corporate printing solutions. EFI maintains 22 offices worldwide.